Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs TB-500
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.
Full details →TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) is a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all human and animal cells. It plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 200 mcg–2 mg | 2 mg–2.5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Binds to GH receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver. Promotes protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and cellular regeneration across multiple tissues. | TB-500 promotes cell migration and differentiation, regulates actin (a cell-building protein), and reduces inflammation. It supports the formation of new blood vessels and wound healing. |
| Typical Dosage | Medical: 0.1-0.3mg/kg/week divided into daily doses. Anti-aging: 1-2 IU daily. Performance: 2-6 IU daily, sometimes higher. | Research protocols typically use 2-2.5mg twice weekly during the loading phase, followed by maintenance dosing of 2mg every 2 weeks. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Some protocols suggest injection near injury sites. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | May cause temporary fatigue, headache, or localized irritation at injection sites. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), TB-500 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Muscle Growth: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger research support.
| Goal | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | medium |
| Recovery & Healing | high | high |
Key Studies
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Transgenic Artifacts Caused by Passenger Human Growth Hormone.
Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM, 2018
- [Human growth hormone and Turner syndrome].
Anales de pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003), 2017
- Significance of the disulphide bonds of human growth hormone.
Endokrynologia Polska, 2013
TB-500
- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study.
Joint diseases and related surgery, 2026
- Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 2024
- Adsorption effects of the doping relevant peptides Insulin Lispro, Synachten, TB-500 and GHRP 5.
Analytical biochemistry, 2017
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